Flights to Nassau

It may have a strange name, but don't let that deter you from checking out lovely Cabbage Beach, the shining jewel of Paradise Island in the Bahamas.

Its clear waters and soft sand bring tourists in droves, and they stay for the lively atmosphere found throughout its three-mile shore.

Adding to the lush scenery are palms, casuarinas, cocoa plums and sea grapes. If people-watching is your thing, set yourself up near one of the major resorts and see if you can spot a celebrity or two.

Though it's tempting to simply lie on the beach and enjoy a cold tropical drink, most visitors to Cabbage Beach try to be a little more adventurous.

Parasailing is big here, and if you've ever wanted to try it, equipment rentals right on the beach will give you the opportunity.

Not convinced? Suit yourself—there are chair and umbrella rentals as well, making your relaxing vacation even more comfortable. Be aware, though, that as Cabbage Beach is a major tourist attraction, prices for these items can be shockingly high.

If you find yourself in Nassau, you can make your way to Cabbage Beach through a short walk over the bridge to Paradise Island. Otherwise, a taxi or ferry will do the trick (and will save your energy).

Those who prefer a quieter beach experience will want to head to the northwestern side of the beach, where few tourists venture.

Many travelers to the Bahamas consider a stop by Cable Beach in Nassau an absolute must. Why? First, this beach has incredible views, along with soft white sand and clear waters perfect for aquatic activities.

But it also boasts a fantastic location within this archipelago, close to dining, nightlife, resorts and casinos. And getting around by bus is very easy, so travelers have access to anything they could want or need.

Though it can get crowded in the day, Cable Beach is nevertheless a fantastic place to relax and enjoy the sunshine. If you're looking for more seclusion, try setting up closer to Goodman's Bay to the east.

Snorkeling fans have some options on Nassau's Cable Beach. You could rent gear from a beachfront vendor and simply float in the calm waters close to the beach. Or you could arrange for a snorkeling or diving tour to get even better views of reefs, especially at Rose Island.

Seasoned divers won't want to miss Lost Ocean Hole or the wreck of the ship Mahoney.

No vacation would be complete without splurging a bit on food and drinks. Lucky for you, Cable Beach is surrounded by tons of great dining options in Nassau, some of which offer oceanfront views.

Wander into one of the beach's hotels and snag a table, or find some more informal eateries up the road on Bay Street. Choose from excellent seafood, tasty pizza, and a variety of other local and international dishes.

If it's nightlife you seek, remember that many of the hotels have on-site clubs and bars where spirited crowds converge.

If cruising to an exclusive island packed with fun beaches appeals to you, listen up: Royal Caribbean's CocoCay has been created to cater to your every whim, whether you're a sun-loving, cocktail-sipping lounger or an active, water-loving adventurer.

Though CocoCay is less than a mile wide, it boasts several distinct beaches, nature trails, plenty of free loungers and hammocks to stretch out on, and vendors offering every kind of water-sport activity imaginable. Kids won't be able to resist a thrilling ride down the huge, inflatable water slide.

Though the island doesn't have any eateries or shopping to speak of, you still might find it hard to hold on to your cash. Getting here and spending the day taking in the scenery is included in the cost of your cruise, as well as a hearty, all-you-can-eat BBQ buffet, but that's where the freebies end.

Bring some extra money so you can rent snorkeling or diving gear (highly recommended as the views in the coral basin are fantastic), do a little kayaking or parasailing, or even take the Waverunners for a spin.

That money will come in handy, too, when you start to crave an ice-cold adult beverage to cool you off after an afternoon in the hot Caribbean sun.

If you're not a fan of crowded beaches, set off on foot away from the action and find some quiet corners and coves. You won't have any trouble stumbling upon the more secluded, soft-sand parts of the island, though many travelers tend not to, for whatever reason.

For a more in-depth introduction to this Bahamian island, consider signing up for one of the excursions offered, some of which come with darn-good drink packages.

Paradise should be free and open to all, right? Well, yes, but there are still some places where you'll need an exclusive pass to enter.

Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas is one such place. It's a small island owned and operated by Norwegian Cruise Lines, which has created this unique beach destination to cater to its guests' every whim.

First, a bit about the cay. It's part of the Berry Islands and was purchased from the Belcher Oil Company in 1977. Nowadays, Caribbean-loving cruise visitors enjoy their brief stops on this strip of land, which is home to coconut palms, lizards, crabs, several bird species and a protected marine life sanctuary.

After docking, explore the island habitat or simply claim a hammock and stretch out under the blue skies. Beach huts, chairs and umbrellas are also plentiful.

To get to know this tiny slice of heaven better, take a stroll on the walking trails or near the lagoon, or even book a kayaking or sailboat excursion. Kids love snorkeling, running freely in the kids' area and getting soaked at the aqua park. The gigantic Hippo Slide never fails to delight.

Hungry? A free barbecue and buffet is offered to all guests stopping through Great Stirrup Cay. If you're up for an adult beverage, order one at one of the island's three bars, but be prepared to pay—these don't come free, unless your onboard account includes them.

For those lucky enough to be traveling with Holland America or Carnival, Half Moon Cay is a well-appointed private island with all the sun, sand, food, drinks and activities you could dream of.

The 2,400-acre island is mostly undeveloped and serves mainly as a bird sanctuary, so travelers to this tiny paradise won't be met with an overwhelmingly manufactured experience.

The beauty of Half Moon Cay is that even though it's owned by a cruise line, it still feels like a remote, unspoiled oasis in the middle of the Caribbean. In fact, it has been recognized many times by Porthole Cruise Magazine as one of the best private islands.

Once visitors arrive at the island, they are free to roam the area in search of tranquil beaches or to grab an ice-cold cocktail from one of several bars conveniently placed throughout the island.

Beach chairs line the shore, offering gorgeous ocean views, and hammocks strung between palm trees are irresistible to those who love to kick back and enjoy the Bahamian lifestyle.

Getting hungry? No need to dip into your wallet. A visit to Half Moon Cay includes a free BBQ buffet lunch with all the fixings.

Of course, this wouldn't be vacation unless there were plenty of ways to enjoy the clean, clear Caribbean waters. Here on the island, you can rent everything you need to enjoy a wet afternoon: scuba and snorkeling gear, kayaks, sailboards, jet skis and plenty more.

Looking to get married? Believe it or not, that's a possibility on Half Moon Cay, thanks to the island's quaint chapel.

Half Moon Cay also boasts volleyball courts, basketball courts, hiking trails, a running path and horseback riding. And for the kids, there's a thrilling aqua park complete with water slides and a pirate-themed playground.